Apartments lifeline for former Sheffield primary school

A former Sheffield school which was named one of the country's most endangered buildings is set to be turned into apartments.

The old Heeley Bank Junior School, on Heeley Bank Road, will be converted into 16 one and two-bedroom flats if plans are given the go-ahead.

Documents submitted to Sheffield Council on behalf of the applicant - the Grade II listed building’s owner, Imran Mohammed - say the scheme represents an ‘effective and efficient use’ of the site, which closed to pupils in 2008 and has since been vandalised.

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In 2013 the old school was included in a list of the 10 most at-risk Victorian and Edwardian buildings in England and Wales by the Victorian Society. Heeley Bank, built in 1880, was designed by architect ER Robson and is a rare example of one of his schools outside London.

Mr Mohammed bought the building from the council in 2013.

Most of the grounds are overgrown, while most of the interior has suffered weather damage. The theft of roof slates has also ‘caused significant damage’. However, the original parquet flooring survives in what used to be the main hall. It is hoped as much of this as possible can be re-used in the new development.

Under the plans, 18 car parking spaces would be provided for residents. It has not yet been decided whether the flats would be offered for sale or private rental.

The apartments would attract ‘a different type of occupier who perhaps would once have sought accommodation elsewhere’, the plans say.

Council officers will prepare a report before any decision on planning permission.